Councillor’s concerns over impact of doctors’ strike in Bolton

Cllr Andy Morgan, who sits on Bolton’s Health Scrutiny Committee and on the locality board, made up of health and council officials, described the decision to take strike action while the system is under pressure, given the worrying rise in winter illnesses, as ‘not a good idea’.

He said: “The health and social care system in Bolton is already under huge pressure and the decision by resident/junior doctors to continue with their strike action during the current flu surge will only make things even worse.

“Flu cases are rising fast, meaning more people need urgent hospital care.

“Resident doctors make up a large part of the frontline workforce, along with nurses and other colleagues, who will attempt to carry on, but without them doing their jobs the Royal Bolton hospital will struggle to cope.

“Longer waits in A&E and cancelled appointments are likely and routine care gets pushed back, adding to an already growing backlog.

“Social care will also feel the impact and the council and providers will face rising demand with no extra staff.

“Families and unpaid carers will be left to pick up the pieces

“When the hospital struggles, social care struggles too and Bolton’s most vulnerable residents are the ones who will feel it first.

“The BMA is the doctors trade union and whilst I have no issue with union representation this continued industrial action is going to have real knock on effects for patients and social care in Bolton.

“Not a good decision!”